SPRING IN 



the use of it will give the soil will be of great 

 benefit to your plants, especially if the season 

 happen to be a dry one. I find that many per- 

 sons fear to stir the soil of the flower-garden 

 in a dry period, thinking that they will add to 

 the harmful effects of the drought by so doing. 

 In this they are mistaken. If the surface of 

 the soil is allowed to crust over, as it will in a 

 "dry spell," it can absorb no moisture from 

 dews and slight showers. But if we keep the 

 soil loose and open by frequent stirring, it acts 

 like a sponge and absorbs whatever moisture 

 there may be in the atmosphere. Therefore 

 do not be afraid to use the hoe freely in dry 

 weather. 



If watering is necessary, do it after sun- 

 down, when evaporation takes place more 

 slowly than during the day. And do not 

 apply it through a sprinkling-nozzle. This 

 scatters it all over the soil and does superficial 

 work, because not enough water falls about the 

 roots of the plants, where it is most needed. 

 Use a pot having a long spout, which will make 

 it an easy matter for you to put the water 

 where it belongs. If you begin to water your 

 plants, you must keep on doing it as long as the 

 dry period lasts. 



74 



